Garett Orlowski, 205 Pointe Oakwood Way, asked City Council to consider the impacts to the Pointe Oakwood residents regarding decreases in property values, noise and ongoing drainage issues. He stated that the meeting minutes suggest that the findings are subjective and asked where the objective studies are. He opined that the office building is getting preferential treatment compared to the residents.

Mr. Byington, 24 W. Schantz Avenue, shared that noise is the biggest issue. City Council is charged with making a decision that has the best interest of the overall community.

Roger Crum, 159 Aberdeen Avenue, explained that he was speaking on behalf of his father-in-law who resides in Pointe Oakwood. The proposed pickleball court threatens to compromise the daily lives of retirees and senior citizens who do not work.

Marietta Orlowski, 205 Pointe Oakwood Way, commented on the standards for special uses. The loud nuisance of a pickleball court would directly impact residents to use part of their home. She believes that a pickleball court would negatively impact property values. She asked City Council to consider the impacts to the Pointe Oakwood residents and to consider residents as a priority.

Mr. Stephens asked why more residents did not attend the November 6 Planning Commission meeting.

Mrs. Orlowski said that 4:30 p.m. is a tough time because people are generally still working.

Mr. Parker stated that this application is proposing one pickleball court as a wellness benefit and amenity to Russell Total Wealth and Wellness clients. The proposed hours of operation are more restrictive than the noise ordinance.

Mrs. Jackson asked how people schedule time to play.

Mr. Parker stated that there would be a schedule and players would need to reserve a time with Russell Total Wealth and Wellness employees before arriving.

Mr. Crum stated that he has not heard why the pickleball court is necessary to Russell Total Wealth and Wellness.

Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing.

Mr. Stephens shared that he has gone back and forth, but his biggest holdup is that the Pointe Oakwood property owners purchased their homes without a pickleball court already in place. He does not want to make a decision that would add to their existing drainage issues or do anything to decrease their property values.

Mrs. Turben shared that she sympathizes with the Pointe Oakwood residents and agrees with Mr. Stephens.

Mrs. Jackson asked her fellow council members to think ahead to undeveloped properties. Just because an accessory or structure was not there before someone moved into a property is not a good argument for why it should not be done.

Mayor Duncan stated that there are compelling arguments on both sides. He is not convinced that the noise issue will be as bad as the neighbors are projecting it to be.

Mr. Stephens added that he is not sold on this being beneficial to the area.

Mrs. Turben also noted that she has gone back and forth, but she is leaning toward denying the application.

Mrs. Jackson recalled other meetings where residents' fears of noise were unfounded.

Mr. Jacques took the time to explain that a split vote would mean that the motion does not carry and is a denial.